Osona, museums and castles on the banks of the Ter River

Start your trip in the north of Osona, near the Ripollès region. In this area, known as the Bisaura, there is an imposing 13th century castle, on a hill and surrounded by nature. This is Montesquiu Castle, initially designed as a residence for the lords of Besora. The fortification has passed through many hands and undergone many changes, until in 1976 the owner gave it to Barcelona Provincial Council. The castle can be visited today: the ghosts of three important related figures will greet you in an audiovisual presentation, after which you can visit the rooms.

Before or after visiting the castle, we heartily recommend that you take a stroll around the Park. For example, you can take the shady and very beautiful signposted path called L’obaga del castell that begins right next to the fortification. The path is circular, and in more or less 60 minutes you’ll be back at the start.

After lunch, head for Les Masies de Voltregà, a town that boasts the Copper Museum, located in a modernista building dating to the early 20th century and part of La Farga Lacambra, one of the companies in La Farga group. In the museum you’ll discover La Farga’s uses and applications of copper throughout history at an industrial, economic and environmental level. The museum opened in 2008, and was possible thanks to the cooperation between the Fundació La Farga and the University of Vic. The University took on the management of the museum project. We highlight from the visit a stroll along the walkway, offering a live look into the production process involved in the transformation of copper.    

Start the second day in Osona by exploring another museum. Head to Manlleu, where an old cotton-spinning factory that dates to 1842, Can Sanglas, has become the Museu del Ter. Opened in 2004, its objective is to promote the cultural heritage linked to the history of industrialisation and natural heritage of the Ter River. There are 1,500 m² with permanent and temporary exhibitions that introduce you to the industrialisation process of this area, and where the biodiversity of Mediterranean rivers is also explained. Can Sanglas is also the headquarters of the Centre d’Estudis dels Rius Mediterranis (CERM, Centre for the Study of Mediterranean Rivers), today a research institute that forms part of the University of Vic.

And as it’s nearby, and you’ve been alongside the Ter River for two days, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the most emblematic spots on the river course, where the waters are calm, partially concealing a village whose bell tower is always visible. This is the Sau Reservoir. You can enjoy excursions around it, or, if you prefer, water activities. If the weather is fine, you can take a dip. Or simply spend a while daydreaming, contemplating the reservoir and the Guillaries massif, savouring these green vistas before heading back.